“For non-conformity the world whips you with its displeasure.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s interesting that when you don’t neatly fit into other’s idea of who you should be, what you should look like, how you should think, they often will become irritated, if not angry at you. Our culture likes to celebrate marching to the beat of a different drum. However, one discovers quickly that if you try to do just that, you are quickly put in your place. And if you refuse to conform, then you are criticized, belittled, ridiculed, condemned, ostracized, and on and on.

And when what was once the anti-establishment becomes the establishment, does it embrace thoughts and ideas contrary to its beliefs? Of course not. It’s interest is in protecting its turf. Ironically, it becomes the very thing it once fought against.

In theory, individuality is celebrated. In practice, conformity is embraced.

In theory, diversity of thought is revered. In practice uniformity of belief is required.